• take steps to ensure that the whole counsel of God is faithfully proclaimed and taught from the whole of Scripture (Acts 20:27-28; 1 Timothy 4:16; 2 Timothy 4:1-5; Titus 2:1);

• equip the saints of the church for the work of ministry (Ephesians 4:11-16);

• recognize and appoint Elders according to the criteria assigned to them in the Scriptures (1 Timothy 3:1-13; Titus 1:5-9; 1 Peter 5:1-4);

• prayerfully seek God's will for our church community and steward her resources to the best of our ability based on our understanding of the Scriptures and the guidance of the Spirit (Acts 20:28; 1 Peter 5:1-4);

• be on guard against false teachers and teachings and protect the sheep from their influence (Matthew 7:15; Acts 20:28-31; 1 Timothy 1:3-7; 1 John 4:1);

• lovingly oversee discipline when necessary, for the glory of God, the good of the one disciplined and the health of the church as a whole (Matthew 18:15-20; 1 Corinthians 5; Galatians 6:1; James 5:19-20);

• take the lead in setting an example and join all other believers in joyfully fulfilling the responsibilities of covenant membership (Philippians 3:17; 1 Timothy 4:12; Titus 2:7-8; 1 Peter 5:3).